Applications are invited for Fast-track PhD fellowships within the MUII fellowship programme, to start in September 2013.

The programme is a
collaboration between Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research
Institute, together with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical
Medicine and the University of Cambridge, and is funded by the Wellcome
Trust

This scheme is aimed at supporting the most promising young
Ugandan and East African scientists who wish to undertake a rigorous
research training.

Successful applicants
will develop their potential to become research scientists within a
structured and mentored training environment.

The focus of the
programme is on research training relevant to East Africa, and research
projects will be carried out in Uganda. Research areas within the broad
field of Infection and Immunity will be considered (including basic or
clinical science, and epidemiology).

Fellowships allow for
sandwich attachments in overseas institutions, including (but not
restricted to) the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and
University of Cambridge, UK.

The Fast Track PhD fellowships will
exploit Makerere University’s provision for excellent Masters students
to convert their Masters degree project into a PhD project.

The Masters project thus becomes the first year of the PhD project, and funding will be provided for a further two years.

Applicants must be
Makerere University Masters students, in the final year of their Masters
programme, in a discipline relevant to Infection and Immunity
research.

PhD degrees will be undertaken at Makerere University.

Applicants will be
expected to show that they have conducted an excellent Masters project,
that it is potentially publishable, and that it can be expanded to form a
PhD project.

They will need evidence
of support from their Makerere University supervisor and head of
department for conversion of their project to a PhD.

They will also be
expected to identify an appropriate international collaboration for a
sandwich attachment outside Uganda, which may be for up to eight months.
If necessary, advice on this can be obtained from the MUII executive.

Applicants
must demonstrate how their research projects foster collaboration
between Makerere University and UVRI; and they must show a commitment to
pursuing an academic, research career in East Africa.

Support includes a stipend for two years, Makerere University fees, research expenses, and travel costs.

Two fellowships will be awarded.

Further
particulars and application forms can be obtained from Moses Kizza, the
Administrator, Uganda Virus Research Institute (mkizza@uvri.go.ug:
moses.kizza@mrcuganda.org; telephone 0414 320631) and from the MUll
website (www.muii.org.ug).

Closing date for the receipt of applications is 31st July 2013.

Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held in mid-August 2013.